CALLING ALL INTERCESSORS

To intercede means to take the place of another in prayer. Intercession does not mean praying with someone for their needs but in place of those not praying for themselves. Since we are all sinful and weak, we all have gaps in our prayers and need someone else to "stand in the gap," to take our place, to intercede. "Thus I have searched among them for someone who could build a wall or stand in the breach" (Ez 22:30).

Often we don't feel like taking other people's places. We've got enough holes in our own lives and prayers, without having to fill others' gaps. But the Lord calls each of us to take each other's places, and some are called to intercede in a great way.

Moses became a great intercessor. He didn't feel like standing in for the Israelites in prayer, especially after their disobedience and constant complaining, but he did. He prayed to God: "Let Your blazing wrath die down; relent in punishing Your people" (Ex 32:12). "So the Lord relented in the punishment He had threatened to inflict on His people" (Ex 32:14).

This Lent, this life, save a nation, save a soul, save a life. Intercede.

Prayer: Father, some great intercessors reading this have not accepted or developed their gift of intercession. May we grow in intercession and be used by You for evangelism.

Promise: "Yet I have testimony greater than John's, namely, the works the Father has given me to accomplish. These very works which I perform testify on My behalf." —Jn 5:36

Praise: Fr. Ted was concerned about so few people making Confessions in his parish. He stationed two intercessors in the Church to pray for the parish during Confession times. Within a short time, Confession lines were so long that he gladly had to increase weekly Confession hours.

Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") for One Bread, One Body covering the period from February 1, 2007 through March 31, 2007.†Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 3, 2006 & September 18, 2006.

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.